Inspirations from the Sea...Shellscape Designs

Written by Betsy A. Eno

Each day the tide rolls in, leaving a bounty of treasures along our sandy, gulf coast shores. Among the sea’s gifts is an abundance of shells in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and colors that beckon beachgoers to stop, look, pick up, and ponder the possibilities of what could be created. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Create an elegant picture frame by hot gluing shells and starfish onto the front of a frame that depicts the color of the sea. For embellishment, glue pearls inside the scallop shells and around the starfish. Place a picture of your favorite beach outing inside the frame and give it to someone as a present, which is sure to be cherished by the person receiving it.

We present a few potpourri recipes we think you will enjoy and hope they will bring back some fond memories of your own.

Flamboyant and energetic, the color orange makes its way into our homes during the fall season as we find ourselves decorating with pumpkins, flowers in colors of peach and tangerine, and adding seasonal touches here and there to create a festive atmosphere. We present an array of inspirational design ideas using this dynamic color!

Frosted, smooth, and colorful pieces of glass,
each with a unique history,
are being discovered on shorelines across America.
Uncovered by the changing tides,
these beautifully worn treasures
resemble precious gemstones.

Pounding waves and water saturate the surface of the glass, leaching the soda and lime components, leaving behind colorful molten silica shards of glass. The erosion process pits and polishes each piece, creating shimmering frosted treasures. It takes twenty years for smooth rounded edges to form and up to one hundred years for a thick piece of glass to be transformed into a perfectly rounded trinket.

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time of year for a picnic. Whether your plans this season include large gatherings or small intimate ones, picnics are a great way to get some fresh air, soak up the sun, and spend time with those you love. Best of all, you can have a picnic just about anywhere, and we’ve included some ideas to help you find the perfect picnic place in paradise.

At the Beach

Listen to the seagulls as they fly overhead and the sound of the waves as they roll onto shore. Feel the gulf breeze, the warmth of the sun, and the soft sand. Whether you choose to relax, hunt for shells, swim, build a sand castle, or participate in a game of volleyball, the beach is the perfect setting for a picnic, offering the most spectacular views in paradise!

Perfect for a brunch or a special gathering,
we have designed fabulous ways to dress up your vases.

Aspiring Asparagus 

Insert floral foam into a vase. If using silk flowers, glue moss over the foam. Wrap two large rubber bands over the vase. Trim asparagus at the bottom so they will stand flat on the table. Place asparagus stalks upright against glass under the rubber band and continue to wrap around vase. Make sure the asparagus are pointing straight up. Arrange silk or fresh tulips in foam or in the vase with water. Add additional flowers of choice to complete the arrangement. Cover rubber bands with raffia streamers or ribbon. If you have any remaining asparagus, eat them, they are good for you!